Airstrip One

No less determined to integrate - 30th November 2002, 20.53

Another firm linkage in EU politics is the Latin alliance between Spain and Italy. Both are governed by centre-right, pro-US administrations and both promoted the extension of qualified majority voting in all areas including foreign policy and security policy, at a summit on the 28th November.

Berlusconi placed himself firmly in the camp of the EPP with this Christian democratic message read out at their conference "The Europe that we want".

The single person and its dignity - concludes the prime minister - measure the Europe we want, a Europe based on Christian values, which guide our actions. We must introduce a social market economy which blends the benefits of economic liberalism and solidarity with the weaker classes. Nothing must be given for granted. We must all help out: government, parliament, and other institutional seats, work places, society, families. Today, you give Europe your contribution with your presence and your proposals.

This is the man put forward as a Thatcherite Italian and he sounds wetter than Heath.